August 11, 2026
City of Bessemer
411 S. Sophie St.
Bessemer, MI 49911-1533
906-663-4311
On or about August 19, 2026, the City of Bessemer will request the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to release CDBG funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended.
Program funds will be used to undertake a project known as Five-Year Environmental Review for MSHDA CDBG-Funded Homeowner Rehabilitation for the purpose of providing units of local government with funds to provide homeowners, City of Bessemer, Gogebic County, earning at or below 80% of the area median income with assistance for essential home repairs. The Homeowner Rehabilitation program aims to improve quality of life for local residents by funding essential home repairs for properties occupied by households earning at or below 80% of the area median income. All repairs must: be eligible under CDBG guidelines as defined in the MSHDA CDBG Policy Manual; comply with local building codes; and meet the MSHDA Housing Rehabilitation Standards. The maximum allowance per household is up to $20,000. The program will service single family homes within the City of Bessemer, Gogebic County. The length of time covered by this review is 5 years from release date for the grant numbers and fiscal years: B-23-DC-26-0001; B-24-DC-26-0001; B-25-DC-26-0001; B-26-DC-26-0001; B-27-DC-26-0001 NDD-2023-9937-CDB The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements.
Estimated Total Program Cost: $195,121
The Tier I broad assessment of the project area revealed no serious adverse environmental impacts for:
Airport Hazards, Coastal Barrier Resources, Flood Insurance, Clean Air Act; Coastal Zone Management, Explosive & Flammable Hazards, Farmlands Protection; Floodplain Management, Historic Preservation THPO, Noise Abatement and Control, Sole Source Aquifers, Wetlands Protection, Wild and Scenic Rivers; and Environmental Justice.
Tier II site-specific environmental analyses will be conducted as project sites are identified and will include the following factors: Contamination and Toxic Substances; Endangered Species; Historic Preservation, SHPO.
An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at City of Bessemer, 411 S. Sophie St., Bessemer, MI 49911-1533, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the City of Bessemer,
411 S. Sophie St., Bessemer, MI 49911-1533, or email to mandy.lake@cityofbessemermi.gov. Last day of the comment period will be considered prior to requesting a release of funds.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
City of Bessemer certifies to MSHDA that City of Bessemer and Mandy Lake, in his/her capacity as City Manager and Certifying Officer, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. MSHDA’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows City of Bessemer to use HUD Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
MSHDA will accept objections to its release of funds and the Grantee’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the Grantee; (b) the Certifying Officer has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process has committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by MSHDA; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and can be sent via email to mshda-cdbg@michigan.gov or through the mail, addressed to MSHDA – CDBG, 735 East Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI 48912. Potential objectors should contact MSHDA to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Mandy Lake, City Manager
City of Bessemer